Masonry Magazine January 2006 Page. 12
Making the Grade Student
Note: If you have an apprentice mason to nominate, contact: J. David Holt, c/o Holt Marketing Group, Inc. 6120 Union Chapel Road, Suite 100 Kansas City, Mo. 64152 or fax to (816) 891-6666.
in the Spotlight
Apprentice Aims for Perfection
NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Brian Cusic is our "Masonry Apprentice of the Month." A graduate of the masonry program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cusic was nominated by his proud instructor, Joe Luchtenburg.
"Brian was the kind of student any instructor would love to teach. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a 100 percent perfect attendance record over the nine-month program," Luchtenburg said. "More importantly, Brian has great desire to learn and excellent work ethics."
Cusic returns the favor: "I've always had the support of my parents in whatever I wanted to do; but Mr. Luchtenburg motivated me to achieve my goal."
If winning competitions was a goal, Cusic did very well. He finished first in his class, first in the state competition and competed in the national masonry contest held in conjunction with the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference held in Kansas City.
In high school, Cusic participated in football and wrestling, and worked for a company building grain bins and silos. When he has time, he still enjoys fishing, boating and four-wheeling.
Cusic interned with Seedorff Masonry, where he is now employed full-time.
"They tell me they are very pleased with Brian's work," said Luchtenburg, who regularly monitors the performance of his apprentice graduates. "His foreman at Seedorff tells me that Brian exhibits advanced skill levels and exceptional work ethics. I'm really proud of Brian."
Brian Cusic, shown here with his completed composite project, was proud of his effort in the contest.
Brian Cusic (at left) and his instructor, Joe Luchtenburg, of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, lows, prior to the SkillsUSA national masonry contest awards ceremony.
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Masonry
January 2006
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